Digital Media Design

Degree Offered: Associate in Applied Science

Credits Required: 60

Digital Media Designers work in a world of integrated media and they are concerned with how messages, information, or entertainment are visually presented to an audience. Students will develop skills in photography, basic audio and video production, graphic and typographic design, and digital technology through hands-on experience. They design interactive CDrom, DVD, Flash, Shockwave, and web-based projects for individuals or corporate clients. The Visual Communications-Digital Media Design program is project oriented and focuses on the creation of a variety of media tools that include interactive media, presentation design, video production, web page design, and web animation. Students interested in the Visual Communications-Media Design program must have a strong interest in art and digital presentation media. The Digital Media Design program places a portfolio in the hands of students. This portfolio can be used to seek employment or entrance into a baccalaureate or art institution.

Curriculum - 1st Year

First Semester - 15 Credits

A computer course designed to introduce students to personal computers. Topics include basic concepts of computer operations, storage media, software categories, Windows operating system, computer communication devices, and Internet. The course also includes introduction to Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. 3-0-3

FINE 210

Two Dimensional Design

3.00

Utilizing studio practice and lecture, this course examines the visual elements and compositional principles necessary to the artist. Principles of two-dimensional design and a knowledge of historically successful design models will then be applied to solve a variety of mixed-media design problems.

VISC 110

Understanding Media

3.00

This media literacy course is based on the media theory of Marshall McLuhan. Students will be introduced to what McLuhan believed to be the long term effects of using media on our bodies, psyches, and societies. We have created extensions of ourselves through the media we use on a daily basis. Any extension of ourselves affects the whole psychic and social complex. These extension are now global and intergalactic in scope, abolishing both space and time. Students will learn that in order to understand media, they must be able to understand themselves. By better understanding themselves, students will become better media creators, users, and communicators. (3-0-3)

VISC 115

Digital Imaging

3.00

Using Adobe Photoshop, students will solve media problems by producing specific digital graphic solutions while observing the principles of good design. In order to observe how form contributes to message, the student will research how designers create the essential graphics, gather design elements from various resources, and generate designs that conform to and enhance message content. The students will also consider design variables related to various destination media like monitors, printers and other deliverables. (2-2-3)

WRIT 101

English Composition

3.00

Students will practice expository writing and learn the academic form of the essay and research paper. Students will focus on the development of an academically sound and challenging thesis and resulting essay. The mechanics of writing will be reviewed as needed. 3-0-3 Pre-requisite: Placement testing; successful completion of DEVS012 Reading and DEVS015 Introduction to College Writing if required, permission of the Division Director.

Second Semester - 15 Credits

Code

Title

Credits

BUSC 220

Team Development

3.00

This course provides the student with the understanding and the skill necessary to communicate effectively in any group situation. Specifically, the course will prepare the student for intensive team and group interaction that he/she will experience in both personal and career scenarios. It will also provide a firm foundation of team-oriented knowledge, experience in developing group problem solving skills, and a resource for future use. 3-0-3

VISC 122

Web Design

3.00

In this course, students will learn how to use digital tools for designing web pages. Emphasis will be on how to design effective websites for a specific user in mind. Usability guidelines, tips, and examples of effective and ineffective web sites will be discussed. Students will create a web site in class using Photoshop and Dreamweaver. Prerequisite: VISC115 (2-2-3)

VISC 200

Kinetic Aesthetics

3.00

The word 'kinetic aesthetics' in the context is intended to refer to the impact that moving images, and the juxtaposition of those images have on an audience. Students will follow the history of cinematic presentation theories and the way these theories have influenced film & video production and post-production. The presentation of each theory is accompanied by film samples that typify these stylistic forms, and course requirements include final presentation projects that require students to mimic the eclectic form of an aesthetic review. This final project will permit the student to exhibit personal stylistic preferences in digital media presentation.

VISC 125

Photography:Film and Light

3.00

Students are introduced to the principles and processes of still photography, with emphasis on the technical and aesthetic aspects of lighting. Coursework includes 35mm camera handling, exposure control, image composition, B&W films, processing, and printing, and using existing and supplemental lighting techniques. Students are required to have access to a good quality 35mm camera (details available through the department) and to purchase their own film and dark room supplies.

OR

VISC 220

Digital Photography

3.00

This course will introduce students to digital photography and photographic image manipulation through the use of digital camera and computer technology. Students will build skills and techniques in digital photography and image processing for digital printing, the web, and interactive digital media. Emphasis is placed on acquiring digital photographic skills based on proficient and appropriate use of their camera, software and imaging editing tools. Image formatting possibilities are investigated, along with aesthetic/functional aspects of traditional photography techniques.

LITR 210

Concepts of Literature

3.00

This course introduces students to the three major forms of literary expression: fiction, poetry, and drama. Significant works from each form will be analyzed to reveal creative techniques, how they represent an author’s time, and how they reflect today’s human condition.

OR

WRIT 103

Writing For Business/Tech

3.00

Designed to train the student in effective writing, this course aims to increase the student’s ability to write with unity, coherence, and logic. It provides additional study and practice in writing letters, proposals, manuals, and reports of a business or technical nature as well as in professional and contemporary research methods. Prerequisite: WRIT101 3-0-3

Curriculum - 2nd Year

Third Semester - 15 Credits

Code

Title

Credits

MATH 110

Mathematics of Business (or higher)

3.00

The first part of the course reviews the mathematics fundamental not only to employment in business but also to intelligent participation in consumer life. Topics to be reviewed include fractions and decimals; ratio and proportion; units of measurement; and percentage. The second part of the course is devoted to business applications. Topics include trade and cash discounts; markup; simple interest; payroll; sales and property tax; and elementary statistical notions. 3-0-3

OR

Science Elective

3.00

Description not found.

VISC 105

Digital Illustration

3.00

This course focuses on basic design principles related to the graphic design and advertising field, including study of principles and elements such as composition, abstraction, color, form, and shapes. Understanding the relationship of elements and development of two-dimensional vector based projects for commercial applications using Adobe Illustrator is also stressed. Emphasis throughout the course is on computer desktop design and production techniques used in contemporary communication processes.

VISC 130

Digital Video I

3.00

Digital Video I is an introduction to digital video and audio technologies, as well as an examination of the social, cultural, political, and theoretical implications of moving-image production in the digital age. The course will primarily focus on commercial, Hollywood, Independent, and Experimental media. Students will gain competency in digital pre-production, production and post-production while exploring various formal, conceptual, and structural strategies. Prerequisite: VISC115 (2-2-3)

VISC 208

Digital Animation

3.00

Description not found.

VISC 215

Scriptwriting

3.00

Visualization and writing for a variety of media forms, including Public Service Announcement, audio script, video script, storyboard, treatment, video production packet, and news release. Emphasis is on effective language usage, audience analysis, visual imagery, and evaluation procedures for electronic media. Established communication theories are applied to the production process.

Fourth Semester - 15 Credits

Code

Title

Credits

PSYC 105

Social Psychology

3.00

This is the study of the individual’s interaction with his/her environment. Culture; socialization processes; attitudes; values; roles; and communication will be investigated as well as other factors, which influence personality development. 3-0-3

Interactive Design provides the resources to produce interactive multimedia products. Students are expected to generate logical, user-friendly interfaces; and, to this end, user-interface standards are presented. Since this is an advanced media course, the student is expected to come to this class with the ability to generate his or her own source materials, including the script, graphics, video, and audio resources, and a plan that identifies and considers the target audience. One final program digital media portfolio will be produced by the student using Macromedia’s Director. Attention will be given to portfolio presentation and distribution methods through practical application and illustration. Prerequisite: VISH115 2-2-3

VISC 240

Digital Portfolio

3.00

This course is designed to develop students' strategies for exploring and creating a dynamic digital portfolio. The students will explore current tactics and practices used to display their best works and showcase projects. Students will research sites, create storyboards and prototypes, packaging for portfolio, resume, and analyze the potential audiences. Concepts, cross-platform developments and issues concerning aesthetics, interface design and the use of media are addressed. Students will also explore and implement various current techniques for electronic self-promotion. This is the Visual Communications's capstone course. (2-2-3)

VISC 260

Visual Communication Internship

3.00

This course is an individualized activity in a designated enterprise cooperating with the Visual Communications program(s). The student will obtain professional work experience with a mass media related organization. Course proposal must be approved by the Visual Communications faculty. (1-6-3)

OR

VISC 218

Media Design Entrepreneurship

3.00

Once students have built a portfolio filled with new media work samples, they need help with how to position themselves for a successful career. In Media Design Entrepreneurship, students will learn the essentials of setting up and managing their own media design/new media business. Students will be guided through everything from how to present their portfolios, find work, and market themselves, to the more daunting tasks of registering a company name, establishing an accounting system, and setting up their own corporation. Whether they're going freelance, setting up their own shop, or just starting out with a big company, this course will set their career on the right track.